Immunization - pertussis
Key points
- This is an immunization (vaccination) that protects against pertussis (whooping cough), a severe and potentially deadly childhood bacterial infection that affects the airways.
- Pertussis is a serious illness that may last for weeks and can cause coughing spells so severe that infants are unable to breathe, eat, or drink.
- Pertussis vaccination is one of the recommended childhood immunizations and should begin during infancy.
- Pertussis vaccine is highly effective for the prevention of pertussis.
Alternative names
Vaccine - pertussis; Pertussis - vaccine
Definition
This is an immunization (vaccination) that protects against pertussis (whooping cough), a severe and potentially deadly childhood bacterial infection that affects the airways. Pertussis is characterized by a severe, persistent cough and whooping or crowing sound on inspiration (taking a breath).
Information
VACCINE INFORMATION
Pertussis is a serious illness that may last for weeks and can cause coughing spells so severe that infants are unable to breathe, eat, or drink. It can also lead to serious complications (such as pneumonia, seizures, and brain damage). It is occasionally fatal. Pertussis immunization is given as part of the DTaP vaccine. See also diphtheria immunization (vaccine).
The DTaP vaccine is a "3-in-1" vaccine that protects against diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus. It can be given to children less than 7 years old. It is given by injection, usually into the arm or the thigh.
The pertussis disease is most dangerous to infants and young children, and the vaccine is usually not given to anyone older than 7 years. The DTaP is a newer vaccine which is less likely to cause reactions than the older DTP.
IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE
Pertussis vaccination is one of the recommended childhood immunizations and should begin during infancy. Pertussis immunization is generally required before starting school. A five-dose series is recommended.
DTaP immunization is series of injections given to children at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and 15-18 months. A booster is given before starting school (age 4-6 years). A different vaccine, the DT vaccine, may be given if there is a medical reason why the child should not receive the pertussis vaccine - such as allergic reaction.
BENEFITS
Pertussis vaccine is highly effective for the prevention of pertussis. Immunized persons who do develop pertussis usually have a milder case than nonimmunized people.
DTaP vaccine can be safely given to infants.
RISKS
DTaP may cause mild side effects (slight fever, crankiness, tenderness of the injection site for a few days, decreased appetite, vomiting).
DTaP causes moderate complications in less than 1% of injections. These complications include:
- high fever greater than 105 degrees F (1 in 16,000 children)
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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